The Book: Land of the Noonday Sun

The Author: Carmen DeSousa

The Story:  When two strangers have nothing left but their dreams, they must forge a relationship in Nantahala, North Carolina, a small town known as Land of the Noonday Sun.

Cassandra is the beautiful, yet analytical daughter of a wealthy attorney. Destined to follow in her father’s footsteps, her life of privilege suddenly shatters, and she finds herself with no home, career, or money. A glimmer of hope arrives in a letter from the grave promising a happier existence. Cassandra stands to inherit over half a million dollars if she can live in the sleepy little town of Nantahala for six months. Falling in love, however, was not part of the deal, and without warning, she finds herself fighting for two lives.

A man with a traumatic past is able to turn his life around and is happy with his chosen career as a whitewater guide. Everything changes though when fate hurls a woman into his path. His carefree life is in turmoil, and his former weaknesses threaten to overtake him. Will he be strong enough when tragedy strikes and is once again in danger of losing everything he loves?

Carmen DeSousa writes modern-day fairytales filled with romance, mystery, and suspense. All of her novels are sensual, but not erotic, gripping but not graphic and will hopefully make you cry, laugh, love, and hope.

Review by Amy: I really enjoy Carmen’s books. She has such interesting characters that have such real emotions. In this story the hero falls in love with the heroine the first time he meets her. We don’t see that happen in real life all the time so it is refreshing to read that in a story. It allows the reader to be swept up in the love the hero and heroine have for one another. One of the things I liked about this story was the hero and heroin’s openness with their faith. You don’t see this often in romantic suspense books, so it was a very nice part of the story! The hero and heroine talked freely about their faith and we saw how they leaned on God for support and thanked Him for the blessings they received.

This book has tragedy, romance, suspense, love, hope and faith! This story reminds us that we all have choices to make in life but that life is short so we should not waste time planning our exact future down to the detail, but make the most of the days you have with your loved ones.

Review by P. Phan: Wow! Carmen DeSousa has written another emotional and suspenseful story about family, friendship, love and betrayal that captured my attention from the very beginning. The hero and heroine, Chad and Cassie, have suffered tragedy at a young age and as adults, they meet and now must work and live together for at least 6 months due to circumstances beyond their control. Cassie learns that life doesn’t always pan out as planned personally and career-wise. Chad must learn to control his jealousy and insecurities if he wants a lasting relationship.

Can these two trust each other enough to make a life together? The road to happiness is not easy as they must deal with Chad’s former girlfriend, Michelle, who’s determined to win him back and his best friend, Tom, who has shown interest in Cassie. A suspenseful twist and a special cameo appearance all add up to a wonderfully emotional and thrilling read that I could not put down. The characters were well developed and I found myself emotionally attached to Chad and Cassie and what they’ve been through.

I found myself crying as they went thru difficult times in their lives and joy when they found each other and fell in love. The author did a great job conveying deep emotions each character experienced and they were so real-life like that it touched my heart deeply. I rooted for Chad and Cassie to overcome all obstacles thrown their way and to trust in each other’s love. I’m looking forward to the next book by this amazingly talented author.

The Book: Letters to Gabriella

The Author: Patricia Paris

The Story: Gabriella Fiorelli only went into town to pick up a few groceries to go along with the new life she and her young daughter were embarking on in Glebe Point Cay, Maryland. She hadn’t counted on running into a hero, certainly not one with warm amber eyes and a wicked-crooked grin she’s convinced can only lead to trouble. Trouble she intends to avoid.

Justin Morrison is starting over too. After quitting his job at a prestigious Washington, DC law firm, he returns home to Glebe Point Cay to open a new practice and hopefully restore some balance to his life. Everything’s falling into balance nicely, except for one thing…the woman from the grocery store, the one who keeps eluding him before he can discover who she is. The one he can’t find and can’t stop thinking about.

Justin finally gets the opportunity he’s been waiting for when Gabriella shows up as a guest at his brother’s 4th of July barbecue. After clearing up a few mistaken identity issues, Gabriella and Justin develop an easy, lighthearted relationship with a healthy dollop of passion simmering on the side. They aren’t looking for their future when they gorge on a triple banana-split, double date with two six year olds, or go hiking through bug-infested woods. They find it anyway…but then the past shows up with demands, truths untold are perceived as lies, and what seems like the right choice is the most heartbreaking one of all. Fortunately, Fate has no intention of letting these two give up what they want most…because some people were destined to love.

Review by Mitsie: Patricia Paris has yet again penned a story with wonderful characters. Gabriella and Justin and Chloe all became part of my family for a bit of time. The sparks that fly between these two are intense. Gabi has more to deal with though than a budding, unplanned relationship with Justin.

Patricia has created intriguing and fun twists and turns, and as their relationship ignited I was eagerly turning pages to see how their story developed. An added bonus to LETTERS TO GABRIELLA was a return visit to Cedar Cove with Blake and Delaney, the main characters in THIS TIME FOREVER. What a lovely time spent with old friends. I love the relationships and dynamics between the different characters of this story.

Obviously, first and foremost, that of Justin and Gabriella, but also the bond between two brothers, the love of a husband and wife and the every amazing bond between a parent and child. I look forward to more books by this author, as she has a wonderful way of creating a sense of family and home.

Review by Sophie M.: I absolutely LOVED this story. I adored the characters, the setting, the charming love story. The writing was superb. The pace was perfect. I was rooting for Justin and Gabriella in every scene. The ending was outstanding. I just loved, loved, loved this book.

I am a huge fan of Patricia Paris now. I read This Time Forever and couldn’t wait to read more books in the Cedar Cover series. I downloaded her mystery, A Murderous Game, tonight and have no doubt it will be as fantastic as these other two stories. If you like small-town contemporary romance, you will LOVE this book!